The Department of Asian Languages and Literature invites you to join us for another dramatic recitation of a piece of classical Japanese literature by Ms. Kima Hotta from Japan.  

BENKEI AT THE BARRIER

A Modern Retelling of One of the Most Famous Stories in Japanese Samurai Lore

Performed in Japanese by Ms. Kima HOTTA with English subtitles

Based on the novel Ninjō:  Ataka no seki by Mr. Hiroaki TODA

The brilliant general Minamoto no Yoshitsune distinguished himself in battle as a masterly strategist during Japan’s longest civil war, the struggle between the Minamoto and Taira clans that lasted from 1180-85. 

Not long after Yoshitsune destroyed the Taira at Dan-no-ura, he was suspected by his elder half-brother and commander-in-chief Yoritomo of disloyalty, and fled the capital, Kyoto.

Among his trusted retainers was the formidable Benkei, a warrior and Buddhist monk renowned for his fearlessness, resourcefulness, and steadfast loyalty.  Disguised as traveling ascetics raising funds to rebuild a temple ruined during the war, Yoshitsune and his band of retainers are stopped at the Ataka barrier by a suspicious guard, Togashi Yasuie.

The heart-rending story that follows has been told and heard for centuries.  It was adapted into a noh play, a kabuki play, and a film by Kurosawa.

In this modern retelling, the talented Kima Hotta will recite an adaptation of the story by Hiroaki Toda, which fleshes out the story for contemporary audiences and adds its own clever twist.  The performance will be accompanied by English subtitles and introduced by Paul Atkins, professor of classical Japanese language, literature, and culture at the University of Washington.

Audiences should be prepared to be moved, inspired, and stimulated by this cherished story and the intriguing values it represents.

Her performance will take place at 7:00 p.m. in KNE 210 and we welcome you to a reception afterward in KNE 225.

This event is free and open to the public but please RSVP HERE.